Neighborhoods

Traffic Calming Program

The Traffic Calming Program began in 2010, with funding coming from Photo Red Light Camera tickets. The cameras were installed in 2008, now 10 are installed with the ticket money going to the Traffic Calming Program.

Traffic Calming Map

The Traffic Calming map displays all the projects that have been completed through the Traffic Calming Program. When you click on circles or the lines on the map information about the project type, construction year, neighborhood and City Council District will show up. Have fun exploring the variety of traffic calming projects that have been built by application from the neighborhood councils.

What is Traffic Calming?

According to the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) definition of traffic calming is “the combination of mainly physical measures that reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior, and improve conditions for non-motorized street users.”

By design, traffic calming is a self-enforcing traffic management approach that forces motorists to alter their speed or direction of travel. The purpose of traffic calming is to improve safety, especially for pedestrians and bicyclists, and to improve the environment or “livability” of streets for residents and visitors. By decreasing volume and/or reducing speed the number and severity of accidents can be greatly diminished.

Objectives of Traffic Calming

Slow vehicular travel speeds
Reduce frequency and severity of collisions
Reduce the need for police enforcement
Enhance the street environment
Reduce cut-through motor vehicle travel patterns
Increase safety for non-motorized street users
Increase access for all modes

Traffic Calming Techniques:

Traffic Calming techniques may include education, enforcement, or engineering to shift traffic patterns and/or reduce speeds. Most traffic calming measures focus on engineering changes to alter driver behavior. Traffic Calming techniques may include physical changes such as roadway narrowing, traffic circles, pavement markings, signage and others. Education and enforcement efforts should be considered prior to engineering alternatives and as a complement to engineering efforts.

Type of Traffic Calming Measures

Speed/Safety Control Measures:

Traffic Island/Median
Neckdown Bulb Out/Curb Extension
Traffic Circle
On-Street Parking
Narrowed Lanes
Signage
Landscaping/Street Trees
Gateways
Pavement Markings
In-fill sidewalks
Bike lanes
Crosswalks

See our Traffic Calming Toolbox for a complete description and pictures of each measure.

Traffic Calming Applications

Each Neighborhood Council is able to submit two applications (this may be a combination of residential and/or arterial proposals) for a traffic calming measure to be installed in their neighborhood. This is a competitive process due to the limited funding. Each application that is submitted will go through a traffic analysis by the City of Spokane's Traffic Operations. Applications open January 1, 2020.